On this day in 1922, the great Len Shackleton was born. Over his mighty 320 league appearances for the Black Cats, the 'Clown Prince of Football' racked up 97 goals and cemented his place as one of the top players of the 40s and 50s.
A true master of his craft, the start of his career was not quite as smooth as he turned out to be on the pitch. He was released from Arsenal's books after being told he was 'too small' to play the beautiful game. During the Second World War, Shack went pro with Bradford Park Avenue, and scored 4 goals in his 7 second division appearances, but due to heckles from Bradford's fans, who did not enjoy his individualist play, he signed for the Mags in 1946.
https://www.a-love-supreme.com/single-post/born-on-this-day-len-shackleton
A true master of his craft, the start of his career was not quite as smooth as he turned out to be on the pitch. He was released from Arsenal's books after being told he was 'too small' to play the beautiful game. During the Second World War, Shack went pro with Bradford Park Avenue, and scored 4 goals in his 7 second division appearances, but due to heckles from Bradford's fans, who did not enjoy his individualist play, he signed for the Mags in 1946.
https://www.a-love-supreme.com/single-post/born-on-this-day-len-shackleton
